Back On My Legs

tee: Seattle Shakes Threepenny, sweater: thrifted, skirt: Forever 21, tights: Spanx from the Rack, booties: Chinese Laundry, accessories: Marc Jacobs watch, giant red hoops

Well, managed to throw my perfume bottle on my lip which is now bleeding.  Awesome.  Good start to my first day-off where I am actually getting up and going somewhere.  Sucks.

But seriously, Jess and I are grabbing dinner after I run a few errands and then I am going to have a nice relaxing night at home (quite a change of pace, right? haha). I know I have been super lazy, but I have no complaints.  It was loverly to not have to do anything for three days and we have 6 shows this weekend, so I am gearing up for that insanity.

Update: Still in PJ's

Best Picture, Actor and Director winner and the Panama Canal

But so many things have happened I feel like I need to blog about it.  First of all, I know it wasn't a surprise to a lot of people, but I am very happy and surprised that The King's Speech won best picture.  Yes, it was the most conventional movie nominated, but it was soooooo good.  I saw all 10 Best Picture noms and it was clearly the best film nominated.  So yay, King's Speech and Yay Tom Hooper (who looks like a young James Cameron--creepy!) and Yay Colin Firth!  (Although to be honest, I think that Colin Firth should have won for last year's A Single Man & Jeff Bridges should have one for this years True Grit (not Crazy Heart), but I doubt either would have done the next movie without last year's outcome...)

Also, my loverly Dad called me up yesterday and said he is going to try to come see my closing performance(s) of Threepenny!  SO EXCITED! Best wake up call ever!

A Running We Shall Go

sweatshirt: Lululemon, tank: Costco, jeans: seethrusoul from Nordstrom, shoes: Converse from Nordstrom, accessories: (unpictured) New Marc Jacoba watch

Running errands today and waiting for the UPS man... coffee with Dani this morning, then late lunch with the roomie at the new SLU Serious Pie location (talk about random, the hostess is a girl who lives in my apt building and knows me because she's also in the theatre scene and dating a friend of mine.  She legit goes "Can I have you name?" And when I said "Gina" she asked "Are you Gina Russell?" and when I got over being creeped out and replied yes, she explained all of that to me...haha!) and then as I got back to the apartment, THE UPS GUY WAS DRIVING AWAY! Noooooooooooooooo...

Luckily, someone had answered the door and let him drop off the package at my door--yay! But I did not get to give him to purse return... le boo.  So, I had to head over to UPS and drop it off... blearg.

I get two more glorious days off (and Wed I get to see the seestor--w00t!), so Dad, feel free to skype me anytime! I'll probs be hanging out at home on my computer the whole time anyhows...

With A Chance

tee: Fossil, button-up: Papaya, tank: Costco, jeans: BDG from Urban, socks: American Eagle, boots: Blowfish from DSW, accessories: gifted small heart necklace, bejeweled bracelet

Well, it might snow today (already is up north) and the high is 40, so my thought was: layer!  And that's exactly what I did.  This look is a little eclectic (and I totes cut off my feetsies--whoops!), but I kinda love it.  Perfect for this cold, crisp day.

I am now the proud owner of the complete series, The Wire and I have already given my sister the first season to watch (and LOVE).  w00t!  I do have to say that the Netflix queue is probs gonna have to cool it for a bit so as I can enjoy the amazingitude of The Wire.  So far enjoying season 2 despite its differences from  the first season.  Also, Andy Bellefleur is in it!  Haha!  Of course, watching an entire episode when I got home did make me almost miss yoga--whoops!  But it was fine, I was just a minute or two late...

Plans tonight include relaxing and catching True Grit with D.  Heard it's good.  Supes excited to see it. w00t.

Sorted

tunic: Fluxus from Nordstrom, pants: Jolt from Nordstrom, sweater: Express, boots: Chinese Laundry,  accessories: mirror earrings, long black beaded necklace

I am exhausted.  Got home from my first marathon to make 3 cd's and now... I just have 30 min of work before I can head to QFC to buy wrapping paper, wrap all my presents, pack, (attempt to) relax for a bit, and then head over to MI to do it ALL OVER AGAIN...

All I want is to be able to sleep in tomorrow.  And I cannot... I needz sleeeeeep...

Only Joan

dress: thrifted (Red Light), shoes: gifted Nine West Outlet, tights: American Apparel, gloves: dress up box (origin unknown), wig: Amazon, accessories: thrifted pen necklace, MAC Ruby Woo lipstick, Claire's earrings

Wow, tonight was fun, but absolutely exhausting.  Literally feel like I just ran a marathon and I cannot believe that I am going to do it all over again tomorrow... YIKES.  That lady is insane!  To do two parties on two consecutive nights?  YESH!  At least the theme is the same.  Plus one of the girls I was working with tonight mentioned a Mad Men party on NYE and possibly calling me... Hmmm... More $$ for acting!

So, I was all ready to go (which apparently I didn't have to be) by 3:30 and stopped by Bartells in full Joan regalia (awesome looks, but not looks and no one ACTING ANY DIFFERENTLY).  Then we were at this gorgeous (but totally livable) Mercer Island home by 4 and talking through things and working stuff out until the guests started arriving at 6:30 and then we were ON until 10 or 10:30...  Like I said: marathon.  And I do it all again tomorrow...

Say Anything

shirt: Zara, tank: Costco, sweater: Parfait from Nordstrom, jeans: BDG from Urban. boots: ZigiSoho from DSW

Weeeeell, my little gig tonight that I thought would be easy enough to work through lunch and leave work a bit early to get ready for?  Yeah, turns out we are called at this kazillionaire's house in Mercer Island at 4PM, which means I have to get off work a good 2.5 hours early to have time to get ready and travel on over there... Blearg.  It's fine.  Boss gave the OK and all, but still, I hate to leave early 2 days in a row (and then be out on Mon)! Especially, when I have so little time left... BUT it's gonna be SO MUCH FUN (and I get paid more in 10 hours of work than I do in a full work week)!

So, I did a little demo for the roomie (-geist no longer) last night and for realzies?  I LOOK LIKE JOAN!  HO-LY CRAP!  It's ridic.  I mean come on!  With the dress, shoes, stockings, hair, jewelry?  It's pretty much spot on.  I just wish I had a bit more gold jewelry to play with... I should have just bought a broach the first time I was out... Oh wells. I did find some white gloves in my "dress up box" (yes, I still have a dress up box.  Where do you think my Halloween costumes go after I wear them?) and a wig cap too, so yay!

Shopping last night was really good.  We both picked up what we needed for this weekend (AND I got 2 cd's done--woohoo! Suck on that people who said I "couldn't do it" or "needed more time".  They are (almost) done and they are AWESOME!) and some great ideas for le mama and other people I don't need to get stuff for so early.

All I Want for Christmas...

Vintage road bike & helmet

guitar & lessons (I should teach myself how to read music at some point...)

Timeturner.  Yes, this is a Harry Potter reference.  No, it does not actually exist. But wouldn't it be nice if it did?

And of course any fun clothes, books, music (itunes gift cards!), movies (dvds or netflix gift cards!), etc that this blog may have hinted at in months past...  I hope this helps you out, family!

Just Listen to Teacher

top: Express, cardigan: J Crew, jeans: SeeThruSoul from Nordstrom, shoes: BDG from Urban, accessories: black & silver beaded bracelets, mirrored earrings

It must be the weather.  I mean, it just HAS to be, right?  There is no other reason why I should be as utterly and completely exhausted as I am.  I mean, yes, I had a busy weekend and yes, my insomnia has been acting up again and yes, I couldn't fall asleep until after 1am, but... this has all happened before and I am fine.  Couple those crappy circumstances with my alarm going off before the sun rises though and I am useless.  I need sun in my window to tell me it's morning, otherwise... I got nothing.  I can, however, stay up WAAAAY past when the sunsets, so where does that put me?  Exhausted, exactly. Boo!

This week is gonna be crazy as well.  Just had my meeting with the party planners in charge of the Mad Men parties on Thurs & Fri and I think it's going to be a blast!  I just can't really imagine how it's work yet, but I am sure that whatever happens will be awesome.  That and it's at some kazillionaire's house on Mercer Island, so it's bound to be gorgeous! And interesting.  Good stories, for sure.  But I'm def gonna have to catch up on my Mad Men...

Got a lovely email from the director of Night Zero this morning thanking me for coming in and being a part of the process and asking if I'd want to possibly sit down with him and flush out a more fully-developed character (I was basically an extra yesterday) before they shoot the final installment in Spring (um, yes please!).  So I super hope that can fit into my schedule, too (damn you, SEATTLE!)...

Moon Boots?

When did these come back into style? Really Nordstrom, really?

How Do I Meet This "King of Broadway"?

Are YOU the King?!

All my friends have been posting this video all over the book of face, but I felt like the fam should watch, revel and understand this crazy world I live & dream & work in know as theatre. Enjoy!

I love you all, but you should relate to the cream bear.  You have all asked me these things before.  All. Of. You.

The Cold Shoulder

shirt: LA Made from Nordstrom, sweater: American Eagle, jeans: BDG for Urban, socks: American Eagle, boots:  Blowfish from DSW

It's definitely fall edging on winter here in Seattle.  The temperature has dropped within the last week to coat, scarf, hat, glove weather and those 70-degree November days are hard to remember... Not saying that I dislike it (I LOVE layering and anytime I get to break out my leather gloves is a win), but it is a shift.  And one that happened super fast, so the adjustment has been hard and I've been a little slow on the uptake.  I think I've got it down now, but still.  Brrrrrr... And it's only in the 40's!  The remounted Snopocalypse (Snomagedden to some) that is supposed to happen this winter might be a little more difficult than I remembered (drinking!  crazy bus schedules!  ice!  wandering the streets in layer upon layer!), but it doesn't mean I am not rooting for it (GO, snopocalypse, GO!)...

Also, I find it odd that everyone observes Labor Day (originally established to celebrate the Labor Unions and blue collar workers, but now usually the launch of summer), Memorial Day (established to celebrate fallen soldiers, but now usually the end of summer), but Veterans Day (celebrating any & all military vets alive & dead) is really only observed by government jobs, banks & the post office?  I mean, what does that say about our priorities?  Not that I really need a random Thursday off, but I just think it's odd.  And I feel the same way about how half of the offices celebrate MLK Day (in Jan) & the other half celebrate Presidents Day (in Feb), but the government, bank & post office observe both.  It's just odd.  In England, national holidays are called "bank holidays" indicating that they are whenever the bank is closed on what would usually be a business day.  American business, get ON THAT!  (And don't even get me started on France with their 35-hour, 4-day work weeks and 3-weeks of vacation for everyone each year and they are protesting over raising the retirement age to 62.  OURS IS AT 67 (possibly being raised to 69 by 2075)!)  We need to stop thinking that our lives revolve around work!

OK, rant over.  Sorry...

So, I saw Red Light Winter last night and definitely thought it was worth the rescheduling of my massage.  Although I found the ending a little unsatisfying, overall I liked it a lot and the acting and direction were especially top-notch.  I think most of my issues came from the script itself primarily in the (sort of predictable) characters.  I wanted more from all three of them script-wise, not acting-wise.  I felt like the actors were too good for the characters they were inhabiting.  I wanted more relationships between all of them and there is only so much you can do without it being written for you.  All in all though, very good.  Totally worth it.  I am glad I was able to see the show.

We have a pickup tonight (why?  God only knows since we just saw each other on Mon, but whatevs) and I am seriously hoping it is truncated, so that I can get some laundry done before tomorrow (running low on socks and undies...)  Here's hoping!

Red Ranger

shirt: thrifted, jeans: J Brand from RueLaLa, tank: Costco, shoes: Sperry Top-Siders from Nordstrom, accessory: gifted red ring

I've started messing with the settings & apertures on my camera (maybe I should actually READ that manual I have) to kinda mess with the boring pics I've fallen into the habit of taking each morning. I like this one even though it seems a little fake-y and over exposed.  Also, still a little grainy... Prepare to see different photo "looks" to come...

Yoga was awesome last night.  Since I had to reschedule tonight's massage in order to catch a play that I have been hearing RAVES about on the last night I can, I requested that Annie work neck and shoulders and it was AMAZING.  Stretching and concentrating on those areas literally felt like I had a massage... Loved it for cereal. Now, I just hope Red Light Winter is actually worth skipping my massage for...

Also, because I decided to let my press-ons sorta fall off on their own I have this really cool thing going on right now.  The only nails left are on the thumb of my left hand and the ring finger of my right.  It almost looks like it's intentional and I kinda heart it...

See?  Awesome, right?

Embracing the Absurd

turtleneck: H&M, vest: Macy's, jeans: J Brand from Nordstrom, boots: Steve Madden, hat:  H&M

So, let's just get this outta the way first. Yes, the fuzzy thing on my head is a (new) hat.  No, I am not wearing it ironically.  Therefore, I am not a hipster, just an adorable 20-something with a warm head.  Thank you.  Moving on...

Yay, Industry Night!  Which was true to it's name bringing in mostly other performers around town and upping the laughter level to quite distracting (in a good way).  Love me some Kate!  That girl has the best laugh ever and it makes me happier than I can say that she was able to make it to the show last night (and that she enjoyed it!  FTW!)

Also, speaking of totes random:  I am not the only one who has dropped my cell phone in a toilet.  A new study shows 1-in-5 (ONE IN FIVE) young people have dropped a phone in a toilet!  It's not just me (MOM)!  Woohoo!  Also, goes on to say a lot of what I have been thinking about concerning addiction to smart phones (I am trying to ween myself out of mine and losing it for 3 weeks DEFINITELY helped).

 Oh yeah, and PS for those who didn't hear LAURENCE FOUND MY PHONE!  It was sitting on a black garbage bag underneath where we hang up our costumes in the greenroom blending in and (of course) dead, but had it not been dead we probably would have found it right away (NEVER not plugging my phone in ever again!).  I know exactly what happened: I was playing with it and had to make a quick change during tech, brought it into the dressing room with me, set it on the garbage bag to get into costume then went onstage, finished the show, got notes and when I came back into the greenroom had completely forgotten about it... Laurence found it Fri night and it has been a glorious reunion ever since!  BUT this time I will not become addicted to it.  I swear.  (also pretty sure this makes Gina mytouch: 1; Lindy mytouch: 3--I mean, if we were keeping track...)

Lean On Me

tee: Kimchi Blue for Urban, bolero: H&M, jeans: H&M, oxfords: BDG for Urban, accessories: bejeweled bracelet, Aldo gold & diamond necklace 

OK, so because everyone seems so interested, I did talk to my boss on Mon about my Threepenny schedule, but he wanted to wait until everyone was in the office to go over it, so hopefully that will happen today.  I will let you know more as I know more...

Also, wow Washington... wow.  Really?  We repealed the candy & soda tax?  We can't add an income tax on our wealthiest citizens?  And we have to go back to 2/3 majority to approve any bumps in taxes (eff you Tim Eyman!)?  DAMMIT!  It's like I feel the opposite of everyone in this stupid state... Blearg.  But I will feel OK about it as long as Murray wins.  Help me, Patty Murray, you're my only hope.

Tonight I have a massage appointment and dear god do I need one... Seriously, my entire left side has seized up.  I cannot wait to have her work this crap outta my body.  Also, since the massage isn't until 645, I might get a pedicure beforehand.  I just feel like Candy would have very bright red toes (to match her fingers) and I haven't had a chance to get one until now, so it's on my list...

Threepenny Opera

I was just offered the part of Lucy in Seattle Shakes' Threepenny Opera!  I just wanted to share with everyone.  I am so happy I am shaking and almost crying! Best Halloween Friday EVER!

W: November

Hmmm... the art issue with Kim Kardashian on the cover?  Really?  Although I hate her, I really do love the artwork by Barbara Kruger... Other than that article (on Kruger, not Kardashian) and one on Paul Reubens coming to Broadway as Pee Wee Herman(!) there really wasn't ANYTHING good in this issue... bummer.  Although I did heart a Hitchcock-ian fashion spread that's super film noir as you will see below.

Why?  Who knows... Love the words though...

Balenciaga dress & Hermes scarf

J. Mendel gown in mustard--LOVE THIS COLOR

Missoni coat (l), Dior dress (c) & Escada dress with Prada belt (r)

Versace peacoat, Roberto Cavalli blouse, Marc Jacobs shoes

I Just Voted, HAVE YOU?

tee: Pitaya, tank: Costco, sweater: Mod Cloth, jeans: BDG for Urban, boots: Report Signature from Nordstrom, accessory: long gold chains

When my hair is newly washed is when I most realize how LONG it is... and we're only into the second weekend of our 5-week run... YESH.  Hair appointment will be made the week after we close, for realzies.

My second do-nothing, relaxing night at home was also glorious.  I even did, like, 30 minutes of washing dishes completely cleaning out our sink.  It had been FAR too long... I def still need to clean my room (mostly just rehang up clothes and put my shoes back onto the rack--which I think might be on its last legs, to be honest... That thing is slowly dying shoe purchase by shoe purchase...), but I feel like cleaning out the sink is a BIG step in the right direction...

Pick-up rehearsal tonight.  Rock it!  Can't wait to see how it runs with the new cuts/shifts...

Also, I totes VOTED yesterday at lunch and mailed my ballot today!  It feels good to do my civic duty (and the Dems need ALL THE HELP they can get this midterm election), have YOU done YOURS?  VOTE!!!!! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ridic excited for Halloween this weekend (I might even rock my costume tomorrow at work just for funzies)! Seriously, fav holiday + awesome show + rockin' costume = HAPPY PANTS!  Also, totes forgot to do my last "halloween hint" last night... SORRY!  I will do one tonight if I get home fast or tomorrow post-work for sure-zies.

PS Did I mention REMEMBER TO VOTE?

Caped Crusader

dress: thrifted at 2009 Goodwill Glitter Sale, fur cape: old Frederick & Nelson also thrifted at the 2009 Glitter Sale, heels: Dolce Vita from Nordstrom, accessories: thrifted pearl necklace  & pearl earrings (for 2008 Halloween costume), red MAC lipstick

Roomie date success!  Jess and I managed to hangout together for more than 10 minutes!  And away from the apartment!  At a non-OtB event!  Seriously, could not tell you the last time we did that... seriously...  We totes overestimated our ability to get schmancy dressed up quickly, but still were able to grab a drink & some fried app goodness over at Palomino's before heading to ACT for the show!

And it was def a good show.  I only had issue with two of the winners, but overall it seemed like the awards went to the correct person.  Plus both Contemp Classics & UW drama peeps did supes well!  And Cider House won best production (WELL DESERVED). Talking to my TPS-ers about it too really seemed like everyone felt the same way.  A big step up from last year in the lobby of the Intiman when they were lucky to scrape together 100 attendees.  This year it seemed like everyone was there!  SO MUCH FUN!

Also, love seeing people I haven't for a while and, of course, meeting new peeps!

sans the fur but with a little more spontaneity (and a cameo by the roomie's feet--in my shoes!)

I'm Goin' to Check on my Deviled Eggs...

tank: Fossil, sweater: Cardigan NYC, jeans: BDG for Urban, wedges: Cooperative for Urban

Well, today is supposed to be the last Indian summer before the deluge and the expected "wettest winter on record" hits the northwest... boo!  Back to boots, hats, raincoats and umbrellas--typical PNW fall/winter...  I def need to invest in some new rain boots (my current ones have holes in them--pointless?  Exactly) and I REALLY want a pair of Hunter Rain Boots in 'new green', but I hate that they are so expensive!  Too bad it's the wrong season for a rain boot sale...

Yes, I heart green.  It is, in fact, my favorite color, but surprisingly I really don't wear it all that often.  At least not kelly & hunter green (which are my preferred shades).  I own a lot of teal, some olive (I'd like more), but not too much kelly & hunter.  Or army, which is HUGE this season. Yes, it's picky, but I like my shades and as long as I stay away from lime or neon I love all variations of green (there's also mint, seafoam, and a whole lot more)!

Anyways... after that segue, brought to you by the number two and the color green (but what shde?!), I'll get back to talking about the celly: still missing.  The end.  Annex is gonna do a big clean before opening tomorrow(!) night and I'm hoping it will turn up then, but I have plans to go after work and see if t-mobile can activate a new sim card for me that I can put in an old cell, so I'm not completely cell-less... meh... keeping hope alive, but it's slowly fading...